By Mario Russell
Denyse Plummer born on November 8, 1953, will always be remembered for her positive attitude and her strong resilience to overcome obstacles.
She has been a mentor for many young and aspiring artists. Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, Plummer made her professional calypso debut in 1986.
Len “Boogsie” Sharpe while performing at a concert at Chaconia Inn, heard the enchanting voice of Denyse resonated through various music genres. Mesmerized by her remarkable vocal talents, he extended an invitation to her that would shape the music landscape. This invitation was to become the featured vocalist on his upcoming Panorama track titled “Pan Rising” for Phase Two Pan Groove.
At the outset, Denyse’s reaction swung between incredulity and delight as she absorbed Boogie’s proposition. To think that her voice, which effortlessly traversed multiple musical styles, had captured his attention to this extent left her almost incredulous. The audacity of this opportunity was not lost on her – a chance to collaborate with Phase Two Pan Groove, a group comprising 100 skilled players, was a delight.
Denyse’s musical journey had ventured far and wide, embracing diverse genres, yet calypso
had remained uncharted territory. Driven by her passion for music and a newfound resonance with the essence of calypso, embraced the opportunity. This unexpected collaboration marked the inception of a chapter that would see her voice, rich and versatile, harmonize with the soul of the steel pan, carving a distinctive place for herself within the vibrant world of music.
Being of mixed heritage (father white and mother afro -Trinidadian) she faced a unique challenge in finding acceptance within the realm of calypso tents. However, a breakthrough arrived when Blue Boy, who presided over his tent, extended his support. This marked a pivotal moment, leading Denyse to secure a spot in the semifinals held at Skinner Park. Calypso Fiesta where an audience of 20,000 die-hard calypso lovers waited readily to hear her perform.
The ambience at Skinner Park was full of hype with groups coming from all over the country, each claiming their rightful spot for the show. The food menu among the crowd was wild meat and pelau. For refreshments, they drank puncheon, white oak and concealed in brown paper bags was the traditional bush rum. It was the testing ground for new and upcoming artists and Denyse of white caucasian known for singing pop ballads was not going to be accepted easily.
Led by the chief frontline heckler Joanie, the audience armed themselves with toilet paper. As Denyse began to sing the crowd waved the toilet paper at her in defiance. Their disapproval was flung through the air, as remnants of suck oranges, once enjoyed, now discarded, found new purpose as projectiles dipped in mud. These mud-laden missiles hurled through the air, embodying the scepticism and challenges Denyse faced. Amid this storm, Denyse’s resolute spirit emerged. Armed not with retaliation, but with dignity, she weathered the storm of disdain. She had two songs in her repertoire, and with each note, each lyric, she staked her claim on the stage with unwavering fortitude. Denyse’s performance wasn’t just about singing; it was a declaration of resilience, an assertion of her right to be heard despite the odds stacked against her.
Black Stalin came backstage to console her. In his words, he said, “You were born a Trini so
your music is calypso so don’t leave the culture stay in it”. At the time she did not know who
he was but the words “don’t leave” resonated in her mind.
This marked a significant moment in the local music scene, as she courageously confronted
initial resistance from a local audience unaccustomed to a female calypsonian Plummer’s
determination prevailed, leading her to secure numerous Female Calypso Crowns over time.
Over the years the combination of Denyse Plummer and Phase II Pan Groove led by Dr Len
“Boogsie” Sharpe would live on and be victorious in many National Panoramas. Plummer’s
impact continued to grow, earning her a third-place position in the National Calypso competition of 1987 with “This Feelin’ Nice”. and in 1988 she not only reached the finals of the National Calypso Monarch but also claimed the esteemed Calypso Queen crown with “Woman is Boss’ a song that is timeless and continues to uplift women.
Those who had booed her, were now her biggest fans, friends and cheerleaders. As the years progressed, she became a prominent attraction at the Calypso Revue Tent, captivating audiences with her magnetic performances. She won the Calypso Queen 10 times and was the first Young King.
The pinnacle of Plummer’s career arrived in 2001 when she clinched the Calypso Crown with her powerful tracks “Heroes” and “Nah Leaving.”. Eighteen years later, on the night of her victory, Black Stalin came to her dressing room and before the results were read out he predicted “You didn’t leave and you will win the crown with Nah Leaving”.
In 2011 Denyse received the Humming Bird Gold Award, she is the recipient of 2 times life achievement awards. In 2015, Denyse became a performer of Gospel Music and dedicated her life to Christ. She wrote a book entitled “Crossroads”. It gives testimony to her life struggle and those who read the book would not have to go through the same faith as she faced. She said she was truly blessed and came into the Calypso Arena at the right time.
Denyse’s songs were about women’s upliftment, patriotism and nation-building. Although
she has gone to the great beyond she has a lot of advice for young artists.
“Make sure you sing songs that have longevity and 20 years from now young girls can listen to what you saying. Songs that have lifetime value are the key, not fast food music. Women’s biggest enemy is themselves instead they should support each other. You can’t achieve great things if you don’t come out of your comfort zone. During the off-season months it is a good time to try new things. Don’t get carried away with the popularity and cheers. Listen to the ones who have been there before and who can give you great advice. Always have a great personality and be humble.”
Her personality as an artist was always to be dressed up in some costume wearing the colours of her country.
She gave thanks for being blessed and all those who assisted her along the way especially
Black Stalin who took her on tour to Europe. She gave praises to Carl Beaver Henderson who
produced many of her songs and was her writer. He recorded her first album “You’re What I’ve Waited”. The women in Calypso who before her, fought the fight despite the circumstances of shame and heckling. Rose, Francine, Princess and Sandra, the struggle they went through was a purpose so all who came after could benefit. Young artist nowadays has it easy with so many avenues on the internet to promote their songs they should sing uplifting and memorable songs.
As a nation, we are good at honouring artists when they are dead. Gratitude should be given
when they are alive. During her months of suffering from cancer, more could have been done to comfort her. Fortunately, Sparrow and Rose are still alive, so we patiently wait for them to transition so the radio can play their songs for an hour or those in authority can stand up on a platform and preach their achievements.
